EDITH’S SECRET TO A 105-YEAR LIFE
A GLASS of whisky at bedtime is the secret to a long and happy life – according to 105-year-old Edith Williams.
Edith, who was born in May 1912 less than a month after the Titanic sank, also likes a sherry with her lunch from time to time.
She raised a glass or two with fellow residents at the care home where she now lives, as well as the mayor and mayoress, on her birthday.
Diana Purnell, manager of Foxtroy House Residential Care Home in Tondu, near Bridgend, said: “From now on she will receive a yearly birthday card from Her Majesty the Queen. Edith is delighted at this fact! She was also delighted to receive a personally delivered card from Alun Cairns, the Secretary of State for Wales.”
“As the elderly lady of the ‘manor,’ Edith has continued in the same vein as when she lived in Llysworney with her granddaughter Sara Booth and son-in-law Paul and their four children Harriet, Florence, Millie and Amos.
“Indeed her determined character and insistence on ruling the roost will probably stand her in good stead for a few more years yet and the staff at Foxtroy are well prepared for this.”
Born on May 7, 1912, Edith has seen an astonishing change in the world and lived through two world wars.
She grew up in St Athan and the village of St Mary Church, near Cowbridge, and attended local schools and talks fondly of the many bike rides that she used to take around the Vale of Glamorgan.
After she was married, she spent many years in the Llanmaes area and was well integrated into the farming community there.
Diana said she still tells many stories of feeding children in the village during the war years, escaped prisoners of war and the many air raids that took place, mainly focused on Cardiff and Swansea but also the RAF camp.
Edith was widowed more than 50 years ago but still has her daughter Margaret Cooper living in Cowbridge and son John Williams in Rhoose.
She moved in with her granddaughter in Llysworney 16 years ago at the age of 88 after tripping over the lawn mower lead and breaking her hip.
However, this was not to hold her back and she led a very active life in Llysworney, gardening, cooking and securing apples and flowers from neighbours’ gardens.
She is remembered by many in the village fondly and has received many greetings on her milestone birthday.
Five years ago she celebrated her 100th birthday in style in a marquee in her granddaughter’s garden with more than 200 friends and family.
Diana said the latest party was “somewhat quieter, however the gift list is similar – whisky and sherry!”
She added: “To this day she has a glass of whisky to go to bed and, from time to time, sherry with her lunch.”
Facetime greetings were also received from family around the world including Toronto, Jersey and Borneo.
Diana said: “We wish her continued health and happiness at Foxtroy and continue to pray for patience for the wonderful staff at Foxtroy.”